May 25 1977

May 25th! The REAL Star Wars day. It was on this day, 40 years ago, that Star Wars was released in cinemas. This day changed the lives of so many people around the world and our culture was never the same. Thank you George Lucas!

Isn’t it amazing that one movie can change the course of so many lives?

In honor of this day, I’m going to ask all of you:

What is it about Star Wars?

But this time, when the person asked me what it was about Star Wars that I loved so much, they asked me to say it in one sentence. That was a lot harder than I thought. You only want a few words on why I love Star Wars and what it is that compelled me to become an obsessed fan for over almost 20 years? You don’t want a life history? WHAT???

It was a fun challenge though. My first response was (after A LOT of thinking),

“It pushes my imagination in ways I never thought possible.”

Honestly, this person wasn’t really interested in why I loved it/the backstory and that response was good enough for them. So, per usual, I’m turning here to give more responses in one sentence or less so that there is a more complete, holistic answer.

It forces me to become a better person.

I rethink things I have taken for granted and have a new point of view.

Rey helped me become more independent as a woman.

The soundtrack deepened my love for grand, majestic music.

The impossible is possible.

Enough hard work will help you succeed.

The scene where Luke stares into the binary sunset resonated so deeply to the point where I also have felt like I was made for something more than what this life has to offer.

When I wonder on how to deal with a situation, I can easily turn to Star Wars for some guiding advice.

Lashing out in extreme anger is not the way to deal with most situations.

There is always redemption, even for those you think are lost beyond measure.

I know from Star Wars and life that revenge is not the right course to take.

The Rebel Alliance taught me that you should always stand up for what’s right, even when you are in the minority.

The Phantom Menace taught me that young people can go on to achieve great things.

Star Wars taught me that loyalty to your friends is worth the price, even if a more tempting offer comes along to sell them out for popularity.